Theater Update: ‘Phantom’ is Closing

Sondheim meets folk guitar

View in browser|nytimes.com Continue reading the main story September 21, 2022 Dear Theater Fans, More than 145 million people have seen "The Phantom of the Opera" in over 41 countries — and the big news is that the Broadway production will close in February, after 35 years. The producer Cameron Mackintosh explains why (27 musicians in the pit is costly) and Michael Paulson tracks which, if any show, could top "Phantom" as the longest-running in Broadway history. No doubt we will have more to report as the final performance draws closer; in the meantime, tell me if you're one of those 145 million by sharing a nifty memory of seeing the show in New York or anywhere else in the world. (Halloween tales welcome, too, especially if you dressed as the chandelier!) Write to theaterfeedback@nytimes.com and if you include your full name and city, we may publish your response. The Royal Shakespeare Company has new leadership. Sean Hayes and Mike Birbiglia are coming to Broadway. And our reviewers are excited about three Off Broadway productions, giving Critic's Picks to the solo shows "Remember This" (with a "remarkable" David Strathairn) and "Four Saints in Three Acts" (with a "mesmerizing" David Greenspan), as well as the experimental riff on "Woyzeck" called "Marie It's Time." Theater is a big umbrella. The inspiring story of the week comes courtesy of the director Tom Moore ("Grease"), who at 79 is committed to mastering the trapeze. Read and watch. Do the same with our profile of the folky Sondheim interpreter Eleri Ward, and her "Not While I'm Around." And don't forget: the Great Performances recording of the superb "Intimate Apparel" opera is on PBS this Friday. Have a healthy week Scott Heller Deputy Editor, Arts & Leisure @hellernyt THE FINAL 'PHANTOM' Facundo Arrizabalaga/European Pressphoto Agency 'The World Has Changed': Cameron Mackintosh on Closing 'Phantom' In an interview, the storied British producer said that weakening box office and rising production costs led to the decision to end the longest run in Broadway history. By Michael Paulson Matthew Murphy 'Phantom of the Opera,' Broadway's Longest-Running Show, to Close The theatergoing audience has been slow to return after the pandemic lockdown, and the show hasn't been selling well enough to defray its running costs. By Michael Paulson Matthew Murphy After 'Phantom,' Which Shows Will Be the Longest-Running on Broadway? Hints: They both reached for the gun. I'm working on my roar! Everyone deserves the chance to fly. Have fun in hell! By Michael Paulson Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT Like this email? Forward it to your friends, and let them know they can sign up here. FEATURES AND NEWS It's Never Too Late It's Never Too Late to 'Fly' on a Trapeze Tom Moore made a name for himself as a film, TV and theater director. But his dream has always been to "fly" on the trapeze, high in the air. And that's what he is doing at age 79. By Abby Ellin Eleri Ward Captures the Longing at the Heart of Sondheim's Work On her new album, the singer fuses Stephen Sondheim's emo register with a familiar coffeehouse folk sound. By Rob Weinert-Kendt Royal Shakespeare Company Names Two Directors for Top Job In an unusual move for a major British theater, Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey will jointly helm the major British theater troupe. By Alex Marshall Es Devlin's Next Stage The British designer, whose new installation will be unveiled at Tate Modern this week, made her name in theater. These days, you're as likely to find her work in art galleries, stadium gigs and fashion shows. By Andrew Dickson Exit Interview Waving Goodbye to 'Dear Evan Hansen' Sam Primack, the final actor to play Evan Hansen on Broadway, reflects on the musical and clearing out that rack of striped blue polos. By Sarah Bahr 'A Perfect Party' That Celebrates All Its Guests Trusty Sidekick Theater Company has created an outdoor adventure for young people on the autism spectrum. By Laurel Graeber Sean Hayes to Star in Broadway Play About Oscar Levant "Good Night, Oscar," by Doug Wright, explores the life of a pianist who became famous as a witty guest and host of midcentury radio and television shows. By Michael Paulson Mike Birbiglia to Return to Broadway With a New Show This Fall The comedic storyteller, who previously brought a solo show to Broadway in 2018, has a new act for a new age. By Michael Paulson New Musical From 'Strange Loop' Writer to Run Off Broadway "White Girl in Danger," a soap opera satire by Michael R. Jackson, will be staged in New York next spring by Second Stage and Vineyard theaters. By Michael Paulson Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT Like this email? Forward it to your friends, and let them know they can sign up here. FROM THE CRITICS Critic's Pick 'Remember This' Review: Finding Strength Amid Moral Failure David Strathairn is remarkable in a solo show about Jan Karski, who was profoundly changed by what he witnessed during World War II. By Alexis Soloski Critic's Pick Review: 'Marie It's Time' Pieces Together a Woman in Fragments This three-actor play initiates a dialogue with Georg Büchner's "Woyzeck," examining men's violence against women. By Alexis Soloski Critic's Pick 'Four Saints in Three Acts' Review: An Opera Becomes a One-Man Show The actor David Greenspan is a tour-de-force, taking on all the roles of Gertrude Stein and Virgil Thomson's large-cast opera from 1934, sans music. By Laura Collins-Hughes 'Heathers: The Musical' Review: For the Cliques This musical may lack the 1989 movie's nihilism, but the gags still work and the songs are great — who are we to quibble? By Elisabeth Vincentelli Critic's Notebook A Welcome Gust of Weird, and Adventures in Shadow Puppetry "My Onliness" is voluptuous and frenetic, while "This and That" is a slip of a show. Both are pleasingly peculiar. By Laura Collins-Hughes Critic's Notebook In This Playwright's Dystopia, Forgetting Is Forbidden Steven Fechter's "The Memory Exam" begins with a promising setup, our critic writes, while Grant MacDermott's marriage story "Jasper" struggles for emotional resonance. By Laura Collins-Hughes Critic's Notebook America's Most Interesting Opera Destination? The Midwest. Barrie Kosky and Yuval Sharon, two of opera's finest directors, open new productions in Chicago and Detroit. By Joshua Barone Critic's Notebook Plays of Helplessness, and Hope, as the Planet Burns New works by major German-language dramatists at the Kunstfest Weimar festival tackle ethical questions at a moment of environmental anxiety. By A.J. Goldmann Continue reading the main story ADVERTISMENT Continue reading the main story Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for Theater Update from The New York Times. To stop receiving these emails, unsubscribe or manage your email preferences. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018